Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatment for Urinary Incontinence

Abstract

Complementary and alternative medicine has been widely used for various diseases and gained acceptance throughout the industrialized world. Basically, complementary and alternative medicine is grouped into ive domains: biologically based therapies, mind-body interventions, manipulative and body-based approaches, energy therapies and whole medical systems. Each domain covers a number of therapies. In this chapter, we present the evidence about efectiveness of each complementary and alternative medicine therapy as well as the possible mechanism on the treatment of urinary incontinence. Besides reviewing existed evidence, our research and clinical experience are also presented.

Evaluation of features associated with urinary incontinence in women

“…26 In addition, although the evidence that acidic and spicy foods and beverages, known as bladder irritants, cause incontinence is conflicting, individual-specific dietary changes are recommended for prevention of incontinence. 27 Women with university degree or above had a higher prevalence of UI than those with primary/secondary education in our study. There are controversial results in the literature on the subject.…”

“…Also, it has been determined that there are controversial results regarding risk factors for UI in the literature 26 . In addition, although the evidence that acidic and spicy foods and beverages, known as bladder irritants, cause incontinence is conflicting, individual‐specific dietary changes are recommended for prevention of incontinence 27 …”

Women’s Health Nursing in Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practices

“…It is known that body-mind-based T&CM practices (yoga, meditation, exercise, mindfulness, music, dance, imagination, prayer/spirituality, hypnosis, etc.) are frequently used in many situations for strengthening pelvic floor muscles, 21 treating urinary incontinence, 22 preventing pelvic organ prolapse, 23 reducing urinary and anal incontinence, 24 reducing gynecological examination anxiety, 25 and increasing postpartum mother-infant communication and satisfaction. 6 Biologically-Based T&CM Practices Biologically based T&CM practices (herbal treatment, high-dose vitamins, special diets, etc.)…”